magst du
The English phrase "do you like" is translated into German as magst du.
This phrase is used to ask if someone has a positive opinion of or a fondness for something.
Which one should you use?
magst du is used to express a general fondness for people or things. In contrast, if you are speaking about aesthetic impressions or how something 'pleases' you, you would use Gefällt dir.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb mögen is conjugated as magst when the subject is du. When addressing a group of people you know well, you should use the plural form mögt ihr instead of magst du. For formal situations, the phrase changes to mögen Sie.
Did you know?
- In some German dialects, the phrase magst du is used as a shorthand for 'do you want'. For example, if someone asks magst du ein Bier, they are offering you a beer rather than asking if you generally like beer.
- While magst du asks about a general liking, Germans often use the verb gern (gladly) to describe liking an activity. Instead of asking if you like swimming, they ask if you swim 'gladly' using schwimmst du gern.
- The word du is a direct relative of the archaic English word 'thou'. Both evolved from the same Proto-Germanic root used to address a single person familiarly.
Examples in context
- Warum magst du es?Why do you like it?This sentence is useful for asking the reason behind someone's liking of an object using magst du.Tatoeba #6641793 by Felixjp, translation #3123310 by CK
- Warum magst du uns?Why do you like us?This sentence is useful for asking the reason behind someone's liking of a group of people using magst du.Tatoeba #5301279 by Tamy, translation #3912820 by CH
- Magst du mich auch?Do you like me, too?This sentence is useful for asking if someone also has a fondness for the speaker using magst du.Tatoeba #6643256 by Felixjp, translation #1460136 by piksea
- Gefällt es Ihnen?Do you like it?
- Gefällt Ihnen der Film?Do you like the movie?
- Gefällt Ihnen das Essen hier?Do you like the food here?
- 258 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing food at a cafe.
- FelixMagst du diesen Kuchen?Do you like this cake?
- SarahJa, er schmeckt sehr gut.Yes, it tastes very good.
- FelixMagst du auch den Tee hier?Do you also like the tea here?
- SarahNein, der Tee ist zu süß.No, the tea is too sweet.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries du, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
